Vegetarian Tofu Less Stir Fry Recipes

TOFU THAT TASTES GOOD: STIR-FRY

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (204 C) and begin drying your tofu. Drain, remove it from the package and place between two thick towels folded into the shape of the tofu. Then place a plate or bowl on top and top it with something heavy like a book or skillet. Alternatively, use a tofu press.
• Let it dry for about 15 minutes, changing your towels if they get too wet. Once dry, unwrap, chop tofu into roughly 1-inch cubes or rectangles (see photo).
• Arrange tofu on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and bake for a total of 25-35 minutes, flipping once halfway through to ensure even cooking. This will dry out the tofu and help give it a more meat-like texture. If you want a tougher texture, cook it for 30-35. For a slightly more tender texture, pull it out at 20-25 minutes to check.
• Once it's golden brown and a bit tough and firm, remove from the oven set it out to dry a bit more while you prep your vegetables. Ideally, it would set out another 45 minutes or even longer. I haven't tried letting it set out for much longer, but I don't think it would hurt either way.
• If serving over rice, start the rice at this point.
• In a small mixing bowl, whisk together all of the sauce ingredients - set aside.
• To a large skillet over medium-high heat, add sesame oil and swirl to coat. Then add veggies and toss to coat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often. When the vegetables have some color and have softened a bit, add the sauce and stir. It should bubble and thicken. Then add the tofu and stir to coat.
• Cook the mixture for 3-5 minutes, stirring often. When veggies are cooked to your preferred doneness, remove from heat. Serve as is or over rice for a more filling meal. Best when eaten fresh, though will keep in the refrigerator for a couple days.

15-MINUTE TOFU AND VEGETABLE STIR-FRY

Steps:

• Prepare the rice according to the package directions. Peel and finely grate the ginger and put it into a small baking dish or medium bowl along with the soy sauce, garlic chili sauce and sesame oil. Whisk to combine.
• Place a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Cut the baked tofu into 1-inch-by-1/2-inch pieces and add to the marinade. Stir to combine and reserve. Fill a small measuring cup or bowl with cold water and keep by the stovetop.
• Add the canola oil to the hot pan and swirl to coat. Add the shiitake mushrooms and cook until tender and browned in spots, stirring frequently, about 2 minutes. Add the stir-fry vegetable mix and a large pinch of salt. Cook until crisp tender, 3 to 5 minutes (the cooking time will depend on the size of the vegetables in the mix). If at any time the pan seems too hot, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons water. Add the marinated tofu to the vegetables along with 2 tablespoons water. Cook until the tofu is warmed through, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Transfer the stir-fry to a large platter. Scatter the cashews on top and serve alongside the rice.

TOFU STIR-FRY

Steps:

• Stir together the soy sauce, honey and vinegar in a bowl, then set aside.
• Pat the tofu chunks dry, then season well. Heat half the oil in a wok or large frying pan over a high heat. Fry the tofu for 5 mins until golden, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and ginger and fry for 1 min more. Tip the tofu mixture into a bowl, pour over half the soy dressing and set aside.
• Add the remaining oil to the wok. Add the vegetables and cook for 5 mins until beginning to turn golden, then add a good splash of water and cook for 3-5 mins more until tender.
• Stir the cornflour and 1 tbsp water into the remaining soy dressing, then tip into the wok, allow to bubble for 30 seconds, stirring to coat everything in the sauce. Sprinkle over the spring onion, sesame seeds and coriander. Serve with rice.